Customer Reviews

Cleaning Windows XP For Dummies

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I run a technical support web site, and this is a book I'd wish I'd written. Since Allen got to it first, I expect I'll be pointing people to it frequently as I answer their questions.

One of the major reasons Windows becomes unstable over time is something I've heard referred to as "software rot". Do nothing but use your computer in normal ways, and over time, it will slow down, and possibly even become unstable. The system will "rot" out from underneath you.

Cleaning Windows XP for Dummies is a great step-by-step guide to not only "cleaning up" your Windows programs, data, processes, disks and more, but more importantly, keeping your system clean and preventing that rot from happening. It's as much about slightly altering how you use your computer to keep it clean, as much as it is about that initial remedial clean-up.

Advanced topics include how Windows uses memory, getting a handle on Security, Windows Networking, the Windows Registry and more. The book closes with 4 "Top Ten" lists ranging from troubleshooting ideas to online resources.

The book is an easy read, and targeted at the novice or less experienced user. There are plenty of examples, as well as warnings along the way when you might venture into areas that require caution.

I've always been a little leery of the "for dummies" types of books. I've been concerned that they would take too simplistic an approach for the material to actually be useful in the long run. I'm happy to say that Cleaning Windows XP for Dummies is not only a useful how-to book for the average user interested in getting the most out of Windows XP, but will also serve as a handy reference for the life of your Windows XP installation.

There are lots of tips and resources to make windows XP run faster and to clean the harddrive.

Unfortunately one of the recommended programs for doing most of the things for you is System Mechanic (do not forget to read all the comments for this software in Amazon -at the moment 20 ratings with one star for the version 7- I wish I had read them prior to use it) which made my windows work worse than before and broke most of links of programs with the System Registry.

Good Luck.

First, let me start by saying I am an intermediate computer user and I purchased this book in tandem with "Master Visually - Optimizing PC Performance" by Joe Kraynak.

This book, "Cleaning Windows XP For Dummies" is a fine read. It has plenty of useful information and is well written and concise. The only catch is that it really is made for a computer novice. Wyatt does an excellent job of writing for someone who is not very familiar with how Windows XP really works, but anyone with an average knowledge of computing may find this book a little simplistic (as the title implies).

For someone who has very little computer knowledge (especially with Windows XP) I would recommend this book. If you are looking for something that goes just a little bit more in depth and is not quite as "dumbed-down" I would point you towards the book I referenced previously.

This is an excellant book for keeping your computer in tip top condition,
you should have some knowledge of computers, and really should read most of the book, before starting this project, it has to be done in stages.
This should be given out with every NEW computer

I found this book excellent for these reasons:
- It explains what XP does, to the level you need.
- It provides things you can do if you are timid about computers on up to if you are knowledgeable and macho.
- It warns about when you need to think first
- It warns about things to be avoided, definitely avoided
- It recommends both hardware and software aids, in addition to what you can do within XP
- It is fun and educational and has ultra clear instructions

Simple, easy to follow and understand manual for Windows XP. A must have for anyone wishing to keep expensive Technical Assistance at a minimum.

I'm a computer novice. This book didn't help me at all trying too clean up and speed up my computer. I was really disappointed. I wasted my money. I've learnt things through trial and error but not from this book.

Having previously purchased other books in this line: I find them helpful and easy to understand for someone who is not a computer whiz. The book arrived in fine condition.

Most of the things in this book are on the tutorial that comes on your computer, for basic maintenance. As far as the registry cleaning program, that it suggested to run, I seen no improvement in the speed. It also cost $30 to find that out. The book should also only be about 10 pages long and cost about $3, if you delete all the content that has nothing to do with a computer.

I am very happy with my purchase. The book was in
good condition, better than I had expected to receive.